Anaesthesia and PAF Anyone? I am having an operation this Wednesday - surgery to remove my gall bladder and associated inflammation.

[Froggy]

Has anyone had general anaesthesia and a major procedure whilst in Permanent AF? Apparently, one of the more severe complications of the surgery alone is that the heart could develop an abnormal rhythm :-). I'll have one to start with!

[mumknowsbest Volunteer]

I have had several endoscopy's under deep sedation since I developed PAF and it didn't seem to make any difference. You will be on a monitor anyway and the aneathatist knows you have PAF. personally I wouldn't worry, you already have it, so you won't be developing it afterwards

[meadfoot]

I had a local anesthetic to have plates and screws in my arm. It was a full op in the usual operating setting and I can assure you that the monitoring I had throughout was first rate with all the usual bells and whistles.

I had a consultant anesthetist administer the quite complex local anesthetic (not your usual quick injection to numb pain). I was monitored throughout the operation by a senior registrar anesthetist with the consultant standing by. My orthopedic surgeon knew of my AF too.

I felt completely safe AF wise as they took such care. Following the op I was monitored throughout the night, medicated for pain, BP taken regularly and ECG's. Take heart, they will monitor you thoroughly and are used to AFib.

Best wishes

Dee.

[Froggy]

Thank you both for your responses x. I have had several locals and sedation and have been OK. I was wondering whether being completely knock out with a general would be different in terms of risk etc. if they monitor in the same way as the non-general, I should be well cared for. Still apprehensive though

[meadfoot]

Sure you will be fine Froggy. They know what they are doing. Monitoring will be the same. Understand your apprehension, it will all be over with soon and you can enjoy being free from gall bladder issues.

Best wishes

Dee.

[Froggy]

All done! The surgeon managed to di it as keyhole - hurrah! PAF not a problem, great anaesthetist! Thank you for all of your comments and reassurance x Joan x